Mariner notes: Griffey slowed by ailing knee

Ken Griffey Jr. is having an MRI and visiting a doctor to find out why his surgically repaired knee still hurts. Manager Don Wakamatsu said before Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels that Griffey has been having pain in a new place in his left knee. He hasn’t played since Thursday. The 39-year-old had arthroscopic knee surgery in October. Wakamatsu said the active leader with 625 home runs likely will not play until Thursday in Oakland at the earliest. Griffey is batting .221 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in 95 games. He has mostly been a designated hitter against right-handed pitching.

Beltre activated

The Mariners activated Gold Glove third baseman Adrian Beltre from the 15-day disabled list. The team also recalled first baseman Mike Carp and left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas from their Triple-A team in Tacoma. The 30-year-old Beltre had been on the disabled list since Aug. 13 after getting hit in the groin by a hard grounder. His contract ends after this season.

Pelekoudas resigns

Another member of the Mariners’ old regime has resigned. Vice president and associate general manager Lee Pelekoudas said he is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Pelekoudas was Seattle’s interim general manager after the team fired Bill Bavasi in the middle of last season. The Mariners then hired Jack Zduriencik last fall as full-time GM. Pelekoudas has been with the team since 1979, when he was the director of team travel. He moved to baseball administration in 1987.